I spoke with DU forward Dustin Jackson today about his decision to enter graduate school and use an available fifth year of eligibility to play for the Pioneers in 2011-12. Jackson, a chippy-but-smart, 6-foot-3, 205-pound wing from Omaha, Neb., surprised seemingly everyone recently by announcing he would return to the team after saying his goodbyes during last month’s banquet. The 24-year-old delivered an excellent senior speech, and like most seniors who get up there and spill their guts with pride about four years of fun, he didn’t want it to end.

Well, it doesn’t have to for Mr. Jackson, who has been named one of four captains and could wear the “C” next season — hopefully his first full campaign since 2009-10. Jackson, who wore an “A” last season, missed his entire junior year with a broken leg and the first 12 games last season with mononucleosis.

“After the senior speeches, I was looking up thinking it was actually over, knowing in the back of my mind I had another year,” Jackson said. “It was on my mind, and I tried to keep in shape since then. But I was interviewing for a job, and I thought I should just take that route, with my age and what not.

“I went to talk to the coaches in what I thought was a year-end meeting, and they stressed how much they wanted me back. It was a really positive meeting and I left there looking at the steps I would have to take to come back. I weighed my options and it was the right decision to come back. The guys wanted me back. I didn’t know if everyone was in, (given) that I already gave my senior speech. They all thought I was done. But then, when I was talking to some of the guys about coming back, they all seemed for it. That definitely helped me out, and I started working out with the guys again.”

Jackson must pass a required graduate management test to be accepted into the MBA program. He’ll begin taking a prep course next week and take the actual test late July.

Having Jackson back gives DU added experience, a tremendous leader and valuable role player. He has just 33 points (13 goals) in 105 career games, but he will be a key cog in what could be a terrific team next season. He’s the guy that helps DU win tight games over teams like Air Force and Bemidji State — programs that usually have multiple 24-year-old leaders. Jackson is old-school DU, playing beside young NHL-bound players like Drew Shore, Jason Zucker and Beau Bennett, among others.

“The coaches have definitely stressed that with me,” Jackson said. “I think there is a lot of talent on this team, a lot of young talent, and I can provide some leadership to this team. I’ve been around the block and I think the guys trust me and know that they can come talk to me about any issues they have. I think that played a role in me coming back. The guys are looking for a leader like that and I’m looking for that opportunity.”

Jackson played last season with seniors Kyle Ostrow and Anthony Maiani, and sophomores Chris Knowlton and Shawn Ostrow. He will again be asked to play a second- or third-line grinder who helps free up space for his linemates.

“I need to be a power forward, get to the net and make hits and what not,” Jackson said. “The skilled players will take care of the goal scorers. I need to bring the little things to the table.”